Liverpool fans have reacted with shock after the confirmation that the quarter final of the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa will be played on Tuesday December 17th.
That date falls less than 24 hours before the Reds kick off in the semi final of the Club World Cup in Qatar on the 18th.
It was always going to difficult finding a date for the Carabao Cup showdown given Liverpool's festive fixture pile-up.
But in a controversial and unlikely scenario, Jurgen Klopp will now split his squad to cover two games in two days in two different competitions.
A Liverpool statement said: "We will be utilising two playing squads simultaneously, with one squad participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar and another in the Carabao Cup.
"The club would like to take this opportunity to underline that while this is not an ideal scenario, it is an outcome which was arrived at with the best interests of the competition, our fellow clubs and ourselves as the sole motivating factor."
Liverpool fans, journalists and pundits have been giving their reaction to the news on social media:
Klopp had initially warned that the Reds could withdraw from the Carabao Cup if a suitable date was not found for the clash.
Yet it now seems a compromise has been reached, with the EFL appearing to confirm there will be a mixed Liverpool squad in action against Villa similar to the one seen in previous rounds.
EFL Football Services Director, Dave Cookson, said: "In these exceptional circumstances the decision was taken having received clear assurances from the Club that there will be a level of consistency in team selection, a feature which is key to ensuring integrity is maintained.
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“We recognise the challenges Liverpool face in this matter and appreciate the efforts made to find a practical solution.
"Finally, I would like to wish the Club well in representing the English game at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar.”
